21 Jun 2007 - June 2007 News Letter
Newsletter June 2007
Last season was yet another success for Bookham Colts. We had 23 teams from the age groups U7s to U16’s.
Notable successes were as follows:
U8 squad – They won the Mead Cup
U9B squad - They finished as runners up in their league.
U12C squad - They gained the Sportsmanship award in their league
It has been acknowledged that both Managers and players fully enjoyed the season’s football.
As we move towards next season, a lot has happened in Bookham Colts.
First of all, after 12 years of service to the club, our Chairman, Garry Billing has called it a day. For the last year, Garry has also acted as both Club Secretary for the FA and for the
I would like to thank Garry for his unrelenting dedication. I’m sure that we all wish him well and hope that he has a chance to enjoy more time to rest and relax.
We have a lot to thank Garry for. He leaves behind him a well organised club that is financially sound. This enables us to move the club forward and strengthen its position and enhance its set up for our members. More of that later.
2007/8 Season
This coming season, we will have 25 teams in the U7s to U16s age range.
This includes two new teams who have joined to form our U12s age group for next season. So, a warm welcome to Richard Verdin and Nick Murray, the U12s Managers.
We also have an U6’s age group, which is where our young colts begin their journey of football experience within the club.
The Committee
As new Chairman, I would like to introduce you to the 2007/2008 committee
Alison Hunt – Treasurer
Alison took over as Treasurer from Penny Halfacre at the beginning of last season. So now she is experienced in the role and is keeping the finances in good order.
Michelle Blake – Child Welfare Officer
Michelle continues to serve to club in this crucial role at a time when it has become even more of a necessity to conform to FA guidelines on child welfare.
John Andrews – Club Development Officer
John has always been very involved at age group level, founding what is now the U13s for next season. John’s role will be key to the future development of the club.
Neil Pudney – FA and Epsom & Ewell League Secretary
This role is a particularly taxing one and, without wishing to scare him away, Neil will find his hands full with the day to day issues of facilitating 22 teams in the Epsom & Ewell league for next season. His role as FA secretary for the club also means that he is responsible for ensuring that any fines imposed upon Managers and players are duly paid by the offending parties. I would ask you to please give your full support to Neil if he asks anything of you.
Reg Blake –
Reg has years of experience in Bookham Colts, now as an U16s team Manager for next season. There are two teams in his age group that have chosen to compete in the Surrey Primary League, so he takes care of their secretarial matters.
Paul Davies –
Paul’s U14 team for next season is competing in the Surrey Youth League. He therefore takes care of secretarial matters for that league
Also, the there are some key roles that are managed by the following personnel:
Nick Bullen - 11-a-side Pitch Maintenance Manager
Following John Butler’s resignation from the role, Nick, supported by Neil Pudney in ensuring that the Lower Road Rec and
Tim Ward - Kit Manager
As players outgrow their kit, it makes perfect sense for it to be passed down the age groups. This is being co-ordinated by Tim. This process helps to keep costs down, so that funds can be used efficiently for the benefit of the club and players alike.
If you are asked by your respective team manager to return shirts, please make the effort to do so. Shirts are the property of Bookham Colts and cost money. Also, it is of no use to the club if there are only 10 shirts recovered for an 11-a-side kit.
Reg Blake - Equipment Management & Trophy Manager
In addition to Reg’s secretarial responsibilities, Reg looks after equipment purchases at the beginning of the season and trophy orders at the end of the season.
TBA – Training Venue and 11-a-side Pitch Allocations Manager
Following John Butler’s resignation from the role, someone needs to be found to ensure that each team knows where they are training and, for 11-a-side teams, know where and when they are allocated to play for each home match.
It should be appreciated that the persons named above carry out their respective responsibilities over and above their contributions at team level. All of this is done on a voluntary basis, giving up their valuable spare time. So, again I would like to thank them.
Team Managers and Coaches, too numerous to mention, should also be acknowledged for the personal time and dedication that they give to their teams and age groups. Please be ready to help them out in any way you can. Don’t wait to be asked. Often these people are so involved in the process of managing and coaching their teams that they forget that there is potential help on tap.
A contacts list is attached to this news letter for you to keep to hand. It provides details of all persons involved in the running of the club and the positions that they hold.
Affiliation with Leatherhead FC
The most publicised event since the end of last season is the affiliation of Bookham Colts with Leatherhead FC. This achievement is based very strongly on a friendly and harmonious relationship between the two clubs and is aimed at strengthening football in the community and at Bookham Colts in the following ways:
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Over a period of time, aligning age group teams between the two clubs so that boys can progress into Leatherhead FC.
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Free entry for Bookham Colts players to Leatherhead FC home matches. This will be implemented by issuing each player with a Bookham Colts membership card that they can show upon entry to the matches. Please encourage the boys to go to the Leatherhead home matches and accompany them.
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The superior social facilities provide a viable home for Bookham Colts. Up until now, we have not had a venue available to us where all age groups can convene.
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The social facility will also be used as a venue for our committee and managers meetings.
Key event days are also to be held at Leatherhead FC. These are:
· Start of season gathering
· Xmas party
· Trophy day
· Tournament
We will be in touch with you regarding dates for these events.
Website
Please also keep a look out for our new website: www.bookhamcolts.co.uk.
We will be developing this site soon and it will be a good source of information for you about the club and what is happening.
First Aid
As part of our drive to ensure that your children are well cared for at Bookham Colts, we are undergoing a First Aid review. We would like to know which parents are qualified to administer First Aid, so please ensure that you include this information on the application form.
Accident Insurance
In line with previous seasons, Bookham Colts have taken out a Public Liability insurance policy through the FA. However, we do not and never have provided personal accident insurance cover for players. It is your responsibility as parents to ensure that your son is adequately covered for any personal accident claim that you may wish to make in the unfortunate event that he suffers a serious injury.
Codes of Conduct
You will find attached to this newsletter codes of conduct for parents, spectators and players that we ask you to abide by. Please take time to read and understand it and ensure that your son does the same. As a club, we take pride in the sportsmanship we show on and off the pitch and the example that we aim to set within the community. As members, we all represent the Bookham Football Club and our community when we travel and compete in matches within
If you have any questions, please ask your team manager, who can refer to me if required.
Finally, it only leaves me to say, have a good summer and enjoy your season with Bookham Colts!
Regards,
Jeff Potts
Bookham Colts Chairman